In the legislature,the Hon.Fitch's function was that of the moderate counsellor and bellwether for new members,hence nothing could have been more fitting than the choice of that gentleman for the honour of moving,on the morrow,that Bill No.709ought to pass.
Mr.Truesdale reluctantly consented to accept a small "loan"that would help to pay the mortgage on his new press....
When the last of the gathering had departed,about one o'clock in the morning,I had added considerably to my experience,gained a pretty accurate idea of who was who in the legislature and politics of the state,and established relationships--as the Colonel reminded me--likely to prove valuable in the future.It seemed only gracious to congratulate him on his management of the affair,--so far.He appeared pleased,and squeezed my hand.
"Well,sir,it did require a little delicacy of touch.And if I do say it myself,it hasn't been botched,"he admitted."There ain't an outsider,as far as I can learn,who has caught on to the nigger in the wood-pile.That's the great thing,to keep 'em ignorant as long as possible.You understand.They yell bloody murder when they do find out,but generally it's too late,if a bill's been handled right."I found myself speculating as to who the "outsiders"might be.No Ribblevale attorneys were on the spot as yet,--of that I was satisfied.
In the absence of these,who were the opposition?It seemed to me as though I had interviewed that day every man in the legislature.
I was very tired.But when I got into bed,it was impossible to sleep.